Kinetic Alfvén Waves in Laboratory, Space, and Astrophysical Plasmas

The book "Kinetic Alfvén Waves in Laboratory, Space, and Astrophysical Plasmas" provides a comprehensive introduction to the observation and application of kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in various plasma environments, with a particular focus on the solar-terrestrial coupling system. Alfvén waves are low-frequency and long-wavelength fluctuations that occur in laboratory, space, and cosmic plasmas. KAWs are dispersive Alfvén waves with a short wavelength comparable to the kinetic scales of particles. These properties enable KAWs to play an important role in the energization and transport of plasma particles, the formation of fine magnetoplasma structures, and the dissipation of turbulent Alfvén waves. The book covers extensive observations of KAWs in solar and heliospheric plasmas as well as their applications in the context of solar-terrestrial coupling, including the heating of the solar atmosphere and the interactions between solar wind and the magnetosphere.